1. We are Christian.

"Are you a Christian or are you Catholic?" We hear that a lot and our answer is: yes! Yes, we're Catholic, and yes, we're Christian. Jesus is the center of our lives and our Catholic faith calls us to a personal relationship with Him as well as membership in His Body, the Church.

2. We love the Bible.

The Catholic Church is Bible-based. We proclaim Sacred Scripture at daily Mass and even more on Sundays. The prayers of the Mass and many of our personal prayers use the words of the Bible. Holy Scripture is incorporated with our lifelong religious education.

3. A lot of good things get done when we work in faith.

Catholics feed more people, clothe more people, shelter more people, educate more people, and provide medical care for more people than all religious groups on earth. It's not a contest. We encounter Jesus when we serve with fellow Christians and all people of goodwill.

4. We do not always live up to our high calling.

We are supposed to be friendly, welcoming, and joyful. But we don't bat a thousand in those areas. If you've ever visited a Catholic parish and felt unwelcome, please come back. Through prayer and service of others, we try to show the love of Christ in all we do.

5. Although we do not worship her, we think that the Mother of Jesus, Mary, is very special.

When you have a good friend, chances are you know his or her mother and probably appreciate her role in helping your friend be the person he or she is. The Person of Jesus has a mom. In the same way you would ask a family member to pray for you, we ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray for us and all who seek her Son, our Lord.

6. Our authority structure helps us offer clear and consistent teaching.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would keep His Church free from error in her doctrinal and moral teaching. That is a tall order, but Jesus keeps His promises and calls the successors to the Apostles, our bishops throughout the world, to teach in His name with authority and love.

7. We believe that one way Jesus keeps His promise to be with us is through the Seven Sacraments.

We can see, touch, taste, and smell as well as hear; God made us that way. In the Sacraments, we personally experience the presence of Jesus in ways that complement our encounter with Him in the Bible. In Word and Sacrament, Jesus has a personal relationship with us as our Savior.

8. Our worship is unique in a good way.

God loves us too much to leave us guessing about how He wants to be worshipped. While Jesus died and rose just once to save us all from sin and death, the Mass allows us to be present for the most pleasing sacrifice, and to please our heavenly Father by our worship. Prayer services are great. Talks can inspire. But the Mass is how we fulfill Jesus' command to "Do this in memory of me."

9. We want all people of good will to work with us so that together we can build a civilization of life.

A person of good will knows that some behaviors are better than others and wants to work with all people, not based on opinions about right and wrong, but on truly discerning the best course of action for individuals and communities. People of good will come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and faiths. We love and respect you. Let's work together to know and do God's will.

10. We would love to have you visit us, and maybe even stay awhile.

"My house is your house." This phrase expresses the welcoming, joyful attitude that we aspire to in all our parishes. Catholic churches are houses of worship where visitors often find a quiet place to pray. At Mass when the community worships, and it is not quiet, booklets at every seat usually explain what to do at various points in the experience, especially when it is time for Holy Communion. Please stop by and visit. We would love to see you.

Courtesy of the Very Reverend Kris D. Stubna, S.T.D.